News 2011: Airwaves Racing Positive Following Pre-Season Testing

March 25th

A significant pre-season testing programme has paid dividends for Airwaves Racing as the team and drivers get to grips with the new NGTC powered Ford Focus.

Following the initial outing of David Bartrum's 'little red devils' at their local Brands Hatch track, Motorbase have invested heavily in terms of time and resource this year with additional testing sessions at Oulton Park and the newly formed Snetterton 300 circuit.

With a week remaining before the Dunlop British Touring Car Championship opener at Brands Hatch, the team increased their mileage by completing an official test at Silverstone on Thursday (March 24). Both drivers Mat Jackson and Liam Griffin were left satisfied by the end of the session and ready for the first race next weekend.

Airwaves Racing Team Manager Oly Collins is happy with his squad's progress, he said: "Generally we're all very pleased with our pre-season testing. Both cars finished the Silverstone test really strong and we are just about getting to grips with the Ford's just in time for Brands Hatch. We have learnt a lot about the cars as a team in all areas, pace, reliability, strength and we have put our own input into all these areas to improve what was fundamentally a good car to begin with."

"The Motorbase team have been working very hard behind the scenes in all areas to achieve this. Mat has got to grips with the car immediately and has done some great development work. Liam has been fantastic and is really getting to grips with it. Considering his relative inexperience he has really got into it right from the word go and has surprised us all with his approach and pace. We're now very much looking forward to the start of the season."

With the 2011 driver line up confirmed for the Airwaves Racing team back in January; all eyes are now on the return of Mat Jackson, not only to the Kent- based Motorbase squad but also to a front wheel drive car.
Although, any driver will always wish for more time in the seat, Jackson is upbeat about the Focus' development in testing and the season ahead. He said: "So far so good, we have got some good testing under our belts which is a huge improvement over last season, for our 2011 campaign we have strengthen up on many areas that we believe will help us to challenge for the outright title."

"It's also great to know that we've got the continued support of our major sponsors on board with Airwaves, The Moneyshop and Leyland Paints all back with us for the season, and to welcome on board Redstone and Addison Lee. I'm sure that we will provide the fans and sponsors alike with an entertaining year and hopefully something to cheer about!"

His Airwaves Racing team mate and Porsche Carrera Cup graduate, Liam Griffin, is set to make his debut at the Brands Hatch season opener on April 3rd following a year on the BTCC support series with Motorbase. Pleased to have had the benefit of a testing programme under his belt, he's looking forward to first race with trepidation, and commented: "Pre season testing has gone well and given me time to get used to the new car, both to look at and to drive!"

"I have learnt an awful lot from Mat Jackson and Motorbase about how to set up these cars and I think everyone is generally very happy with where we have got to. Whilst I would always want more time in the car I feel I have got to a stage where I can turn up at Brands and at least feel as though I will enjoy it!"

Airwaves Racing begin the new BTCC campaign at Brands Hatch on April 2-3.